"MUST-HAVE" Tools?

S

seLect

New member
I'm pretty sure most of you guys read the 4Runner '99 HIDS thread, I am not so savvy with this stuff but I am willing to learn! I need to get some tools and I was wondering if there were any specific tool kits that I should consider getting for mainly mod upgrades, etc. I might go to Home Depot or Lowes to buy the tools so hit me up with some brands that can be used for anything including using the tools for MOD upgrades. :D


:bigok:
 
Register to hide this ad
I have pretty much narrowed it down to a ratchet set, 2 power drills(one small, and one large) with a phillips head bit, a pick set, pry tools, and a long phillips head screwdriver. Getting into wiring: crimp tool, strippers, and a digital multi-meter.

I think I have fixed, repaired, or installed everything with these tools as a bare minimum.

As far as brands, it's up to you, personal preference. Craftsman i think has a lifetime warranty. Snap-on, i feel is overpriced. Pretty much any brand will work if your using them as a hobby more so than strenuous everyday labor. I have a Companion ratchet set that I have broken a socket so you may have to replace some stuff overtime. Use your personal judgment when in store shopping.
 
Last edited:
only thing I can think of in addition to that would be a dremel with a couple different bits for cutting plastic and other stuff.
 
For the 4runner make sure you get the metric set.

I like the screw drivers that have the quick release so that you can change the bits in just a second. Very handy in my opinion.
 
I'm a big fan of Craftsman, they have a lifetime warranty and are relatively cheap, compared to snap-on anyway. As for essentials I would say a metric socket set, an assortment of screwdrivers, and my favorite. a dremel.
 
juiceboxer said:
and a GOOD floor jack, you don't want to be under a 2 ton truck when your jack fails.
Click to expand...

I agree. Also jack stands are an extra safely measure when lifting your truck and working under it. I have never trusted only using a jack to keep any vehicle off the ground.
 
i use a 3.5-ton low profile craftsman floor jack, its sick for the truck or my fiero lol

i also have 4, 2-ton(each) jackstands
 
- Get yourself a good torque wrench and zero it out after every use.
- Gearwrenches are wonderful time savers. Get the standard length and stubbies.
- Digital calipers make measurements a snap.
- A decent obd2 scanner is very handy to check codes or live data.
- Get an air compressor and some air tools to make your job easier.
- Also, a good set of ramps is nice to have in case you don't want to jack up your 4Runner.
 
all of the above plus ive got this nice 6 piece specialized socket set that gets stripped bolts and nuts off ive got the ones made by Irwin. they have saved my butt so many times. I strip bolts a lot lol! very usefull.
 
A lot of these tools could probably be used on more than just your 4runner, so when you look at prices don't be scared off. They will probably last you a very long time as well.
 
Clemsonfan15 said:
A lot of these tools could probably be used on more than just your 4runner, so when you look at prices don't be scared off. They will probably last you a very long time as well.
Click to expand...

Exactly. I'm graduating college soon so I know that the tools I've started accumulating will come in handy as I grow up and start living on my own. Don't feel like you have to buy all this stuff at once either, you'll build up a nice set of tools over time. I agree with what everyone has said so far concerning recommendations.

The bare necessities IMO are: hammer, phillips head/flat head screwdriver, metric ratchet set (I have Kobalt), and a power drill. Get yourself an assorted set of nails, bolts, screws, washers, etc. Vice grips, WD-40, and Duct Tape are also crucial (if you've seen Gran Turino lol).
 
Nails for the 4Runner?! AGH! :p

But I agree. I received an awesome gift for Christmas this past year; A 156-piece mechanics tool set by Craftsmen and pliers out the wazoo. It's a perfect start. Ratchets, spark plug extension, etc.
 
808TRDRunner said:
- Get yourself a good torque wrench and zero it out after every use.
- Gearwrenches are wonderful time savers. Get the standard length and stubbies.
- Digital calipers make measurements a snap.
- A decent obd2 scanner is very handy to check codes or live data.
- Get an air compressor and some air tools to make your job easier.
- Also, a good set of ramps is nice to have in case you don't want to jack up your 4Runner.
Click to expand...

Good advice, and while I love all of the above I wouldn't really call any of them MUST HAVE.

It would appear the OP is relatively inexperience and doesn't have a lot of tools at his disposal. Recommending a $80 wrench set , OBD2 scanner, and air compressor and air tools may scare him into thinking he is ill equipped to tackle certain jobs.

Again, all of the above things make your life 100x easier but for the most part you can get by with some inexpensive essentials...

-Nice socket set (1/2" drive is a MAJOR bonus)
-Nice screwdriver set
-Wrenches (metric)
-Pry bars
-Breaker bar
-Assortment of plyers
 
trd_4runnin said:
Good advice, and while I love all of the above I wouldn't really call any of them MUST HAVE.

It would appear the OP is relatively inexperience and doesn't have a lot of tools at his disposal. Recommending a $80 wrench set , OBD2 scanner, and air compressor and air tools may scare him into thinking he is ill equipped to tackle certain jobs.

Again, all of the above things make your life 100x easier but for the most part you can get by with some inexpensive essentials...

-Nice socket set (1/2" drive is a MAJOR bonus)
-Nice screwdriver set
-Wrenches (metric)
-Pry bars
-Breaker bar
-Assortment of plyers
Click to expand...

Yeah dude, I read all of the responses. Jacks? Torque Wrench? zero that out?? WHATTTTT, hahah. I'm definitely not that GOOD yet. I can only do minor things like taking apart the dome lights... the cover that the e-BRAKE is in and stuff like that, haha.
 
seLect said:
Yeah dude, I read all of the responses. Jacks? Torque Wrench? zero that out?? WHATTTTT, hahah. I'm definitely not that GOOD yet. I can only do minor things like taking apart the dome lights... the cover that the e-BRAKE is in and stuff like that, haha.
Click to expand...
This is what you do. Go to a Sams or Costco near you and buy one of Mechanics sets by Channelock or Stanley. My set has served me well and I take it when going to friend's houses to help. The best part is it has slots/holes for every tool, that way you know if you are missing something.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 214 (members: 0, guests: 214)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,306
Messages
3,554,045
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top